FAQ
Below you’ll find our most frequently asked questions. Have more questions? Just send us an email and we’ll get back to you quickly.
Q: What can I expect for reliable Dog Walks?
- Private leashed neighborhood or beach walks involving safe handling for the amount of time you selected.
- Private Dog Walks include structured movement and mental stimulation
- There is positive reinforcement of basic commands like sit and wait, and leash manners
- Our goal is not just exercise – it’s a calmer, happier dog when they return home
- Report with photo after every visit
- Clear and organized communication, scheduling and invoicing
- Recurring scheduling for your convenience and for your wallet
Q: What must I supply for Dog Walks?
- A leash in good condition (not a retractable leash)
- A dog collar.
- Please note that dogs can easily escape from only a dog collar.
- A dog harness is highly recommended, especially for strong pullers and high energy dogs.
- Treats if you want your dog to have them.
Q: Why does private dog walking cost more than group dog walks?
- Your dog deserves dedicated attention to their specific personality, behavior, and needs.
- Private walks give your the dog consistency and one-on-care that simply can’t be given in a group walk.
- Group walks would certainly be cheaper for the pet owner. The dog walker would earn more hourly with multiple dogs at once, hence lowering the per dog rate. We prefer to give personalized attention to one dog at a time, which simply isn’t possible in a group walk.
Q: How does the timer work for Dog Walks?
- We start our timer when we arrive at your home.
- Then we quickly read your Pet Portal details before entering. This prepares us for access info and/or an alarm.
- We enter your home, greet your dog(s), and prepare them for our walk.
- We take your pup(s) on a walk paying attention to their specific needs, making sure it’s a positive experience.
- When we return, we dry off (if needed), refill water and give them hug.
- We write your report and send a photo while at your home. Then we clock out of your visit.
Q: Can you rinse my dog’s paws or give a bath after the walk?
- Yes, this is a service we are happy to offer!
- Rinse and towel dry: $10 / ₡5,000
- Shampoo, rinse, and towel dry: $15 / ₡7,500
- Flea bath shampoo, rinse, and towel dry: $20 / ₡10,000
- You need to supply the shampoo (or flea shampoo), towel(s), and water.
- To add this service, just let us know in your comments when you schedule the dog walk. Then we’ll add the extra time and service.
Q: What can I expect for reliable Pet Visits?
- Pet visits are ideal for cats, dogs, and other animals, senior pets, and pets needing companionship while owners are away.
- A pet visit focuses on in-home companionship, care, and maintenance rather than just exercise.
- While a Dog Walk is focused on mobility and potty breaks, a Pet Visit offers more comprehensive care.
- It includes feeding, playtime, home security checks, and personalized attention.
- The price and duration for Pet Visits is the same as for Dog Walks
Q: Can I combine a Dog Walk with a Pet Visit?
- Of course! You don’t need to schedule separate visits when you’ve scheduled a 60 minute Pet Visit.
- For example, let’s say you have one dog and two cats. You’re looking for a Pet Visit that includes playtime, companionship, and care for each animal. You also want to make sure your dog gets a 30 minute Walk. In this case, schedule a 60 minute Pet Visit. Inform us that you would like 30 minutes of that time strictly for a Dog Walk. Easy!
Q: What should I expect for Pet Sitting?
- Consistent supervision in your home for all animals
- Feeding and fresh water
- Potty breaks as needed
- Structured play and mental stimulation
- Calm companionship and routine reinforcement
- Medication administration (if required)
- Litter box scooping if requested
- Photo update for peace of mind
- Structured walk or exercise session
- Light home presence (bringing in packages, basic plant watering if requested)
- We also clean up after ourselves, often leaving areas cleaner than when we arrived
- Please visit our Sitter vs Boarding page to see the benefits of hiring a Pet Sitter.
Q: Do you offer Dog Walks and Pet Visits for people staying in a hotel or resort?
- Absolutely! As long as the hotel is good with it, and most are, we’re more than happy to help!
- Let reception know the time period you’ve selected (morning, lunch hours, or afternoon).
- Make sure there’s a key left at reception for us to pick up and return.
Q: Is it just dogs or do you offer Pet Visits and Pet Sitting for other animals?
- Of course! We happily offer Pet Visits and Pet Sitting for all domesticated animals and some other kinds of creatures.
- The only animals we won’t service are venomous, poisonous, or otherwise inherently dangerous to humans.
- Oh, and spiders are out of the question! It’s a whole thing. Let them live in the wild.
Q: Do you charge a fee for using payments other than cash or for using the Pet Parent Portal/App?
- There is no fee to “join” the Pet Parent Portal or App. It is a service we pay for. Many major and international sites charge a membership fee to customers and a commission fee to sitters and walkers. We do not!
- Cash is king and saves us on expenses.
- We also take Wise and Venmo from US Citizens or Wise from anywhere, sent in US Currency. Please see the QR Code for our Wise Quick Pay link at the bottom of this page.
- Cash tips are appreciated, but never expected. If you do want to tip your service provider, please do so with cash.
Q: Why do you charge an extra $5 / ₡2,500 flat rate for weekends and same-day Dog Walks and Pet Visits?
- Our regular hours for Dog Walks and Pet Visits are Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm. We are more than happy to work after hours for a $5 / ₡2,500 fee.
- We charge the extra fee on weekends since staff will be working on their normal day off.
- We charge the extra fee for same-day service because we need to adjust our schedule.
Q: How did CCC get its start?
Jen is the owner, organizer, and scheduler of Caribbean Canine Care. She moved to Costa Rica in 2025 after living on an island on Thailand’s Andaman Coast for twelve plus years. She is a former Veterinary Technician and is small animal CPR certified.
After moving to Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast, she realized there was a real need for trusted pet care. There are so many expats living here and vacationing here. Many of them have animals they love. They simply don’t have time to devote to all their pets’ needs all the time. That’s where we come in!
Jen is also a chef. She owned a vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Thailand for three years. Before that, she owned the largest environmentally friendly house cleaning company in Seattle for nearly eighteen years. She worked remotely for half of those years.
She immensely loves animals, especially dogs. She says she’d pet a crocodile if it wouldn’t kill her. Due to her love of animals, she’s also been a strict vegetarian for more than three decades.
We’d love to earn your trust and your business. We’re here for all of your pet care needs. If you have questions, just email us. We’re happy to help!
Scan this QR code for our Wise Quick Pay link:
